Cyclone Arnab is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast over the Bay of Bengal, prompting authorities to step up preparedness across several states and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the storm could make landfall on the morning of October 28, 2026.
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Cyclone Arnab Approaches Andhra Pradesh Coast
According to the IMD bulletin issued on October 26, the cyclonic storm was located approximately 650 km east-southeast of Visakhapatnam. It is expected to intensify further as it moves towards the coast. The forecast indicates that the storm could cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam as a very severe cyclonic storm.
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry have been placed on alert as authorities prepare for the possible impact of the cyclone. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in affected areas, raising concerns about flooding, damage to infrastructure and disruption to normal life.
Five Regions on Alert Ahead of October 28 Landfall
The Centre has reviewed preparedness through a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. State administrations have reported preparations involving shelters, evacuation arrangements, activated district control rooms and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams kept ready for emergency operations.
The IMD has forecast sustained wind speeds of 115–125 kmph during landfall, with gusts potentially reaching 140 kmph. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea in the affected areas during the warning period from October 26 to 29.
